Join us for this week's episode of The Buzz, as we dive deep into the recent developments in labor negotiations affecting U.S. ports, specifically the tentative agreement between the ILA and USMX, which has temporarily averted a significant strike.

Hosts Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor welcome special guest Jon Gold, VP, Supply Chain and Customs Policy for the National Retail Federation (NRF) to the show, and discuss the implications of this agreement, including a 62% wage increase over six years and the critical topic of automation that could become a sticking point in future negotiations.

Listen in as the conversation continues and covers:

• The need for continuous learning to retain talent and adapt to changes in the manufacturing workforce
• Cybersecurity Awareness Month, highlighting the critical importance of protecting supply chains from increasing cyber threats
• The upcoming NRF 2025 conference and key themes like AI's role in supply chain management and strategies for diversifying operations outside of China that will be focused on
• The significance of engaging younger generations in manufacturing through educational tours and programs to foster interest in the industry

Join us for this episode, and gain insights into current market dynamics and the strategies that can help navigate the complexities of supply chain management in today's rapidly changing environment.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Connect with Jon:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-gold-1217012/
• Learn more about NRF: https://nrf.com
• Most Recent With That Said: https://bit.ly/3BKy6DB
• TFEST Supply Chain Transformation Summit 2024: https://bit.ly/4gUCmAO
• American Aid Logistics Network: https://www.alanaid.org/
• Dockworkers’ union suspends strike until Jan. 15 to allow time to negotiate new contract: https://bit.ly/3XTgrkB
• NRF '25 Retail's Big Show: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/
• Layoffs mount amid low manufacturing demand: September PMI- https://bit.ly/3zKia3P
• Manufacturing Day Message: https://bit.ly/3XUNMf5
• AME Atlanta 2024: https://bit.ly/46etFMK
• Billy Ray's book The Winning Link: https://bit.ly/3XUE5gH
• Connect with the Supply Chain Now community & programming: https://linktr.ee/Supplychainnow
• NRF Statement on Port Strike Suspension - https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-reacts-port-strike-suspension
• Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
• Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
• Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
• Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
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This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Billy Ray Taylor and produced by Amanda Luton and Trisha Cordes. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/supply-chain-buzz-labor-talks-manufacturing-challenges-1336